Common Snakefly vs Xanthostigma Snakefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Snakefly | Xanthostigma Snakefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Raphidia notata | Xanthostigma xanthostigma |
| Order | Raphidioptera | Raphidioptera |
| Family | Raphidiidae | Raphidiidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Snakefly
A distinctive predatory insect with an elongated prothorax that gives it a snake-like appearance. It hunts aphids and other small insects on tree bark.
Did You Know?
Snakeflies can raise their elongated thorax and strike at prey in a manner reminiscent of a snake, hence their name.
Xanthostigma Snakefly
A snakefly with a distinctive yellow wing stigma from which it derives its name. It is found in European woodlands where it hunts small insects on tree trunks.
Did You Know?
Snakefly larvae develop under bark where they are voracious predators of bark beetle larvae and other wood-boring insects.